"We are committed to the democratic path and an early election is the only way to resolve the current impasse in Nepal," Dahal told Republica after his meeting with the Indian National Security Advisor (NSA), Shivshankar Menon. [break]
The NSA, Dahal said, told him that an early election is imperative for political stability in Nepal. In the meeting that lasted about an hour, the NSA has assured Dahal of all possible support for the fresh elections in Nepal, a highly-placed source in New Delhi told Republica.
The two also discussed the security concerns of India in Nepal. Dahal reiterated that "Nepal will address the security concerns of India" and this is "closely linked with the economic development of Nepal."
Dahal also spoke about the Indian concern at a program at ICWA , the Indian Council of World Affairs, in New Delhi today.
Stating that a prosperous Nepal is a guarantee for India´s security, he laid stress on strengthening Indo-Nepal ties. He sought to address India´s concern by suggesting that Indo-Nepal ties could work as a bridge for trilateral cooperation between India, Nepal and China.
He, however said, "Such trilateral cooperation is not to negate the age-old bilateral ties between India and Nepal," adding, "Indo-Nepal ties should be a basis for trilateral cooperation."
"I would like to make it clear that in the changed global and regional context and ever-growing economic relations between India and China, trilateral cooperation in various mutual projects in Nepal is possible and would not be a distant dream," Dahal said at the gathering at India´s official think-tank, adding "It is our vision for the future and, let me make it very clear that I by no means wish to undermine or replace our bilateral relations so happily subsisting for centuries".
He said it is only by promoting bilateral co-operation between our neighbors that the basis for trilateral co-operation can and will be created.
Responding to queries by Indian academics and civil society members, Dahal tried to woo the Indian side by talking about his party´s evolution into the democratic polity in Nepal. Stating that his party has travelled a long way on the democratic path, Dahal said, "We are learning from our experiences, both positive and negative, and we are on the path of transformation from revolution to evolution."
In his speech entitled ´Indo-Nepal Relations: A vision for the next decade´, Dahal said in a clear indication of confidence-building measures and in an effort to mend ties with India, "Nepal and India should give new impetus to their bilateral relations and redefine their relations collectively summing up the experience of history, so that our whole gamut of bilateral relations would be further consolidated and the aspirations and interests of both the countries served."
Also speaking on the occasion, former Indian foreign secretary Shyam Saran said that it has been an evolution for India too to see Nepal pass through historic changes. "It was a risk for India too and the only demand that we have is for the UCPN (Maoist) to accept multi-party democracy in totality," Saran said.
Dahal also said that his party is committed to peaceful politics and economic development and is moving away from narrow nationalism. He said that China too wants Nepal to have "friendly ties with India."
On federalism, he told the curious crowd at ICWA that the Chinese have assured him that they will respect the decision of the Nepalese people, but they are concerned over the repercussions of ethnic division of the country.
Other meetings
Dahal, who is on an official four-day visit, also met with President of the Janata Dal (United) Sarad Yadav, who has long been a keen Nepal watcher in India and a prominent Indian leader on Nepal affairs.
Dahal also held a meeting with Dr Karan Singh, member of India´s upper house, the Rajya Sabha.
Dahal told Republica that Singh was "very positive" that Nepal would soon head towards peace and stability.
"Mr Singh has not a single doubt about our party," Dahal told Republica after his meeting with the veteran leader.
Dahal will be holding parleys with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid on Tuesday.
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